They traveled through time at the same time, but the villainous scientist

Chapter 472 Cooperation
The Animusfia estate is situated on a vast expanse of land surrounded by ancient forests on the outskirts of London.

Unlike traditional magician families, it doesn't use eerie barriers and menacing evil spirits to project its majesty.

On the contrary, everything here appears open and tranquil, as if the entire estate itself is part of the night sky, quietly receiving the light that falls from the depths of the universe.

Webber Velvet followed behind his teacher Kenneth along a path paved with black basalt.

His steps were unsteady, not from exhaustion, but from an indescribable shock.

"Amazing……"

He finally couldn't hold back and let out a nearly speechless exclamation of admiration.

With his current knowledge, he can only see the tip of the iceberg of this manor.

The path beneath your feet is not laid randomly; its winding course echoes the stars in the sky.

Every ancient tree and every clump of flowers and grass along the roadside is precisely positioned on a magical node, forming a vast and unbelievable magical array.

Those invisible streams of magic flowed slowly through the manor like a galaxy, drawing in the ether in the atmosphere and exchanging energy with the celestial bodies in the sky.

This doesn't look like a mansion; it looks more like... a giant astronomical instrument.

"Astrology is one of the oldest foundations of magic in humankind."

"Whether it is the Twenty-Eight Mansions of ancient Eastern countries or the Twelve Zodiac Signs of the West, their essence is the attempt by mankind to understand the universe, divide time, and determine directions when they look up at the starry sky."

It permeates the myths and calendars of almost all civilizations, forming a remarkably complete and vast magical system.

Kenneth smiled at this; this was the foundation of magic created by someone with a curiosity about the world.

It's more scientific than magic in the conventional sense, so he doesn't dislike it...

"It is truly an honor to receive such praise from the prodigy El-Melloi."

A gentle and clear voice came from under the corridor ahead.

The sound was soft, yet it reached their ears clearly, like a whisper carried by the night breeze.

Weber looked in the direction of the sound and saw a man standing there with a smile. He was wearing a well-tailored white suit, and his long, silvery-white hair was neatly tied back.

His face was so handsome it was almost flawless, his skin was fair, and a perfectly timed smile played on his lips.

"Nice to meet you, Lord Maris Billy."

This is my student, Weber Velvet.

Kenneth nodded slightly, turned to the side, and introduced Weber behind him to the other person.

Weber quickly bowed in greeting, but his heart was filled with turmoil.

Although magicians' appearances often don't match their actual ages, this monarch of the celestial sciences looks far too young.

He didn't possess the staleness and gloom that comes from years of immersion in magic; instead, he exuded the intellect and composure of a scholar.

"Please come in, you two."

Marisbury Animusfia smiled and stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter, and personally led them into the reception room.

The living room is also decorated with astronomical elements.

The ceiling was enchanted, presenting a deep cosmic scene with nebulae slowly swirling and stars flickering.

In the center of the room stood a giant solar system instrument made of crystal and mithril, with the nine planets moving slowly in precise orbits, driven by an invisible force.

After the maid served black tea and delicate refreshments, she quietly withdrew.

"Speaking of which, I've always been very interested in the Holy Grail War that took place in Fuyuki City a few years ago."

The ability to summon heroes from the past and even the future, transforming them into 'familiars' to be commanded, is truly an astonishing miracle.

Marisbury broke the silence first, his gaze falling on Kenneth with pure curiosity.

He didn't mention Kenneth's controversial actions inside the Clock Tower, but instead approached the issue from a purely academic perspective.

"The Heroic Spirit Summoning System is indeed ingenious, but its core relies on a portion of the Third Magic, 'Heaven's Cup'."

Replicating it elsewhere is virtually impossible. Moreover, the 'Holy Grail' in Fuyuki City has been corrupted; once the accumulated magical energy within it dissipates to a safe level, I plan to dismantle it completely.

Kenneth picked up his teacup, gently blew on the rising steam, and answered calmly.

"That's such a pity."

Upon hearing Kenneth's explanation, a clear hint of regret appeared in Maris Billy's violet eyes.

Weber sat quietly to the side, listening to the conversation between the two monarchs, but felt a sense of unease.

Magicians are often obsessive individuals focused solely on their own field of study; even if they hear of mysteries outside their area of ​​expertise, they rarely pay much attention to them.
The monarch of the celestial sciences seems to have an excessively strong interest in the Holy Grail, a ritual involving the engineering of the soul.

As if he had seen through the essence of the conversation, Maris Billy suddenly changed the subject, and a more genuine smile appeared on his face.

"Alright, enough with the pleasantries. Let's get down to business."

He picked up a pre-prepared document from the table beside him and pushed it in front of Kenneth.

"Regarding your proposed 'space development plan,' I agree to the Animusfia family's investment in you."

He paused, looked at Kenneth, and said frankly:

"Although cooperating with you, the 'traitor of the Clock Tower,' would bring me considerable political risks."

However, the prospect of a super space telescope capable of observing celestial bodies tens of light-years away, and the realistic possibility of a manned lunar landing… these ideas were irresistible temptations for a magician who had dedicated his life to stargazing.

Is it that simple?

Weber was taken aback, somewhat surprised.

However, Kenneth didn't even glance at the priceless contract.

He simply shook his head, his eyes calmly fixed on Marisbury.

"Not urgent."

Two simple words instantly changed the atmosphere in the reception room.

"What I brought today is merely a stepping stone to meet you."

Kenneth put down his teacup and continued.

Given his current status, it would be extremely difficult for him to directly meet with any of the monarchs within the Clock Tower.

This is why he brought Webber along; it's a way to give the Clock Tower a way out.

Weber was taken aback by what he heard, and then he realized the deeper meaning behind his teacher's bringing him here.

He is now nominally the acting monarch of the El-Melloi faction, and his presence means that this meeting is, in name, still an internal exchange between the monarchs of the Clock Tower.

Rather than an exchange between a monarch and a heretic...

"Oh?"

Maris Billy's smile deepened, he leaned forward slightly, and his eyes gleamed with inquiry.
"This is quite interesting. I knew all along that Kenneth El-Melloi Archibald's purpose was not as simple as some research funding and some magical support."

"Tell me, what is it that you really want to talk about?"

Kenneth did not answer directly.

He reached into the inside pocket of his suit, took out something, and gently placed it on the smooth mahogany table.

It was a black object that looked very much like a USB flash drive.

Its material is neither gold nor wood, and its surface is as smooth as obsidian, yet it does not reflect any light, as if it can devour all the light around it.

On one side, there is also a peculiar golden letter "M" imprinted...

"Before we get down to business..."

Kenneth's fingers tapped lightly on the black object, producing a crisp sound.
"I'd like you to take a look at this first..."

(End of this chapter)